Generous Americans

My hometown of Gainesville, Texas received 100 of the displaced hurricane victims. They were housed in our old hospital facility which was recently closed due to our building a new facility. Upon hearing of the new arrivals, many groups collected items for our new residents. The response was overwhelming! Each kid had forty, yes forty!, toys! They must think this is heaven. We are only a town of about 15,000, but these folks have a heart of gold, and I am proud of my community.

We are glad you are here at DU and I am heartened to learn of your town's wonderful response.

I hope that the kids who arrive will enjoy the toys - and if they stay busy playing they can heal and their parents have a better chance of doing so, too, perhaps. The toys will make a difference.

I think that we need to also expect some severely traumatized children and families. It may not appear right away, but it will over time, depending on how well the whole family is able to recover - will the parents find jobs and feel at home in the community? will the children be welcomed at their new school?

I don't want to 'bring down' your post - I am grateful to all who are pitching in right now (at a fevered pitch). I am worried about the long haul and about whether our communities will have sufficient patience and empathy to support the survivors for the long haul.

I have been here at DU for many years. I just do not post much.
On the down side, one of the refugees has been arrested for possession of barbituates, but you know you are going to get some who are a bit shady.

their homes are destroyed, they've been witness to horrific destruction and death and misery, many are displaced from other family members, their future is bleak and uncertain.

I would not characterize that as "They must think this is heaven".

I think they are pretty much going through hell. The kindness of strangers is helpful, but keep in mind, they are still not in homes, they're in an abandoned hospital.